THIS is with reference to the report “Consensus at midnight paves way for ‘PDM 2.0’” (Feb 21). In view of the extreme political polarisation in the country, a split mandate was a foregone conclusion, which, in turn, meant that a coalition government was always on the cards.

The leaders of the main political parties addressed large public meetings before the elections and made tall promises to woo the voters. In doing so, they also abused in public their political rivals with whom they are now going to form a coalition. The big question now is about whose agenda the coalition government will pursue.

However, a conglomerate of parties having divergent ideologies as well as approaches might struggle to exhibit the required unity of thought and action. It might remain busy addressing the misgi- vings of one another.

With a strong opposition in parliament, the most likely scenario appears to be noisy and turbulent, with little legislative activity of meaning and substance. What we need today are policies and steps to avert a complete economic meltdown. To extricate the country from this critical situation, our leaders will have to show political maturity and statesmanship.

Amid current political chaos, the need of the hour is to rise above petty politics, acrimony and prejudice. In the larger national interest, both the treasury and the opposition benches will have to sink their differences and work with a high sense of patriotism to overcome the challenges staring the nation in the face.

Prof Sarwar Pathan
Sukkur

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2024